Judging by the changes in life at my bird feeder, winter on the Cape is close to being officially over. The male Cardinals are increasingly boisterous and claiming my yard as “their” exclusive territory from graduated height levels in the treetops according to their respective social status. I saw the first grackle the other day as well. Soon, we will have the red-winged blackbirds and right behind them the smallest of the schoolies will show up in the marsh and cove tributaries. I’ll bet that some of my customers a little south of us in CT or NJ or NY have already caught a striper or two this year. If you have, let me know if that is indeed the case - OK ?

Usually it takes a week of sunshine and decent weather to start the summer bookings and reservations, but I can tell you it may be happening a bit early this year. Perhaps it is the advancement of the daylight savings time? At any rate, I already have 9 charters booked for the week of July 7 to 14. The rest of the bookings are scattered pretty evenly throughout the season, about 2, 3 or 4 per week so far. If you are looking for that special trip, one with a specific tide, or time of departure or a specific day, try to reserve your trip in advance. I don’t want you to be disappointed. Remember, that some of the best tuna fishing days are on the days we have small tides and timed so that the periods of the slack water are just after dawn or before 9 in the morning. Also the best bass fishing days are on days with a bigger than average tide, timed so when your charter is scheduled, the current is flowing strong at the rips. There are only a couple of times in a month when you can get the height of the tide and timing of the slacks just right. Call or email me if you have questions about this and setting up your trip. My home phone is 508 255-0911.